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“What is it?” He crosses the room and takes my hands in his.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Did you know about my father going into hiding?”
Alexei lets out a long breath, and I watch as his eyes fill with sorrow.
“I did.” He bows his head.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It wasn’t my place.”
“Alexei, he’s my father!”
“And telling you would have compromised his safety. I made a promise to keep him safe too, Bianca, and this was the only way.”
“When will we learn that secrets aren’t good for us?”
“I promise from here on out, there will be no more secrets.” Alexei brings our entwined fingers up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. “Now, let’s get you home.”
“I don’t want to leave Zara here alone. What if someone comes after her? What if?—”
“Shh…” Alexei wraps his arm around me and cradles me against his chest. “Dimitri has promised to stay with her. So, let me take you home, solnyshka, so you can rest.”
Alexei grabs my bag off the bed.
“I feel like I’ve done nothing but rest for days.”
“And you will continue to rest for the next few weeks.” Alexei presses a kiss to my forehead.
I sleep most of the drive back to Forest Hills, the weight of the last few days finally taking its toll. I wish Zara was leaving with me, but I know she’ll be in good hands with Dimitri.
When I finally open my eyes, the sight of the familiar house brings a smile to my lips. “Home sweet home.”
Alexei puts the Mercedes in park and comes round to my door, reaching over me to unbuckle my seatbelt.
I go to step out, but he quickly bends down and scoops me into his arms.
“Alexei! You don’t have to carry me up to bed!”
“Doctor’s orders.” Alexei chuckles, bending down to nuzzle my neck.
I wriggle against him, but he only holds me tighter against his chest.
I scoff. “I am more than capable of walking by myself.”
“This is one thing I won’t negotiate on, zhizn’ moya.” Alexei starts to climb the front steps.
I snuggle into his chest, savoring the warmth of his body against mine as he carries me all the way to my room where he settles me in the bed and climbs in beside me.
“You had me worried there for a while.” He pulls me against his chest. “If anything had happened to you… To the baby…”
The breath catches in his throat, and my chest feels as if it’s being cracked in two.
“We’re safe, Alexei.” I reach up to cup his face.
